"This grant empowers our researchers at the University of Guam to play key roles in finding renewable energy sources for our island and reducing our need for fossil fuels in our power plants," said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez.

"Any step that brings us closer to using more renewable energy sources is a positive move for our island and our planet.”   

At the heart of the grant is "Understanding Community Perception Around Ocean Renewable Energy," a community-wide online survey that is designed to gather responses from coastal communities regarding ocean renewable energy.  

The project is anticipated to start in the fall of 2023.  

“The outcomes of this survey will serve as a cornerstone in shaping Guam’s renewable energy strategy—an integral step towards a more resilient, cleaner energy future for the island,” said Austin Shelton, Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, and principal investigator of the project.  

An advisory board composed of energy leaders from Guam and stakeholders will play a pivotal role in survey design, question pre-screening, and suggestions for improvement. The results of this extensive community consultation on ocean energy will be compiled into a comprehensive report.  

Francis Dalisay, associate professor of communication and media and co-principal investigator, described the process as a significant formative research endeavor that will generate key insights regarding Guam residents' attitudes and perceptions toward renewable ocean energy.  

Dalisay added, “Other communities around the world have begun to harness energy from the sea, and since we live on an island surrounded by water, it would be useful to know where Guam residents stand when it comes to ocean energy.”   

"It is essential to empower these communities in identifying, planning, and developing local clean energy resources that align with their long-term needs,”  said National Sea Grant Office Program Director Jonathan Pennock, in a release following the announcement of the project.